Step Inside a Zen Modernist Home That Brims with Art and Design

The Designer Show House, a biennial event sponsored by the Village Improvement Association in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, showcases diverse interior and exterior design inspirations across its 6,000 square feet of space and nearly an acre of outdoor areas. This event serves as a platform for regional designers to present their expertise and offers visitors a wealth of ideas for their own homes. One featured space is a sunken living room, designed by Kate FitzGerald-Wilks of Timeless Design in Landenberg, Pennsylvania. This room embodies a West Indies aesthetic, characterized by bold lines, soft sandy hues, and rich textures. Key elements include vintage stick bamboo chairs painted black, adorned with Kuba cloth and Ralph Lauren zebra-stripe pillows on a slipcovered camel-backed sofa. A mid-century hutch is repurposed as a cocktail bar, complemented by sculptural metal and glass console tables flanking the fireplace. Wood mirrors with faux tortoise shell lean against textured wallpaper, while modern sculptures and art blend with antique books and global treasures. FitzGerald-Wilks also designed the dining room, aiming for a dramatic effect with a backdrop of 200 wine bottles and a striking Dolcetti chandelier crafted from shells and crystals, evoking sea glass. An 8-foot-long reclaimed wine rack sits atop a buffet. The room's color palette consists of soft creams and tans, punctuated by emerald green accents in the chandelier and wine bottles. Windows are framed with woven ikat print panels. An airy sunroom, conceived by Alfred Wolf Home (a new venture from Design Center of Rehoboth or DCOR), was designed to create a light-filled, contemporary transition between the house and garden. This involved removing existing French doors and window grills, painting the room in various shades of white and French gray-green, and incorporating textural elements of white canvas, iron, and marble. The family room, also by DCOR, maintained the warmth of its original paneling and fireplace stone, setting the foundation for a soft khaki and cream palette. The room is furnished with herringbone, tweed, and leather fabrics, offset by tortoise shell wood finishes and local tidal scene artwork. Mary Stewart of M. Stewart Interiors in Bear designed the upstairs hobby room, named "Just Us," intended as a shared family space for various pastimes like painting, photography, reading, chess, and Lego building. The room features updated cherished family heirlooms and is painted simply white to highlight paintings by Nadia Zychal. Nile Johnson of Kennett Square, Pennsylvania, designed the second-floor paneled library, drawing inspiration from Rehoboth's laid-back yet cosmopolitan atmosphere. This space offers an updated interpretation of a classic library, decorated in layers of sandy tans. Cyndi and Ron Oronzio and Cathie Sheetz of Dreamweaver Interiors of Rehoboth Beach decorated a bedroom and bath, inspired by vibrantly patterned fabrics. They utilized Robert Allen fabrics as wallpaper for an accent wall, building the room's design around this print. The team selected fabrics for their depth, crisp patterns, contrasting textures, and detailed embroidery, incorporating a bright coral pink accent color and rhinestone embellishments for a feminine touch. Brenda Carder of blcINTERIORS of Rehoboth Beach designed a small guest bedroom, combining natural cotton and linen fabrics with metal and reclaimed wood. Crown moldings add formality. To compensate for limited sunlight, the room was kept light and bright, with a deep navy blue accent wall and touches of bright yellow for warmth. The second floor features art by Libby Zando of Zando Designs and Art Affects in Milton, alongside works by award-winning regional artists. Boardwalk Builders of Rehoboth transformed a hallway into a gallery space by adding wainscot paneling, creating an updated cottage aesthetic that visually broadened the hallway. Mark A. Polo of The Urban Dweller in Boonton, New Jersey, designed the master suite, aiming for comfort with soft textural colors ranging from taupe to blue. The furniture is upholstered to enhance the room's softness, featuring taupe draperies of embroidered sheer linen and silk edged in leather and freshwater pearls. Blonde floors are softened by a long-fiber rug. Outdoors, Erin Walls and Justin Bartels of Bella Terra Landscaping in Lincoln repurposed existing flagstone patios and walkways, adding new stones to create a Celtic-inspired design. The layout divides the space into a grand area for social gatherings and secluded nooks for quiet retreats. Creative Concepts Furniture of Lewes and Ocean View furnished the patios as outdoor rooms with bright coastal colors, including a sectional, loveseat, dining area for six, and lounge chairs, inviting visitors to envision themselves in the setting. #DesignerShowHouse #InteriorDesign #HomeDecor #RehobothBeach #DelawareDesign #LuxuryInteriors #OutdoorLiving #DesignInspiration

The penthouse suite in the historic Burrage Mansion in Boston's Back Bay offers a unique blend of 19th-century architectural grandeur and modern Zen-inspired interior design. The mansion, designed by Charles Brigham in 1899 for copper tycoon Albert C. Burrage, is known for its chateau-style exterior adorned with numerous stone carvings of dragons, gargoyles, cherubs, lions, and eagles. The ornate lobby features mahogany, marble steps, stained glass windows, and mosaic tiles, creating a traditional and lavish entrance. In stark contrast to the building's exterior and common areas, the penthouse interior, designed by Maho Abe of Zen Associates, Inc., embodies a contemporary Zen aesthetic. When the condo was acquired in the early 2000s, the initial plan for 14 rooms was abandoned. The owner, inspired by Abe's work on HGTV, commissioned her to transform the space. The renovation, completed in 2006, resulted in an open and fluid living area, rather than a series of separated rooms. Abe's design philosophy emphasized natural light, soft beige and silver color palettes, and a minimalist approach, avoiding excessive decorations. Acoustic panels are strategically placed behind paintings, on window benches, and within columns to manage noise, contributing to a serene environment. The penthouse is designed for both elegant entertaining and comfortable family living. Key features include an expansive living area with a line of five columns, which serve as a gallery for art and sculptures. A thin fish tank acts as a subtle divider between the kitchen and family room. The kitchen itself is a modern marvel, equipped with stainless steel appliances and limestone surfaces, ideal for hosting guests. For relaxation, the penthouse includes a stainless steel hot tub with a Japanese stepping-stone in the living room and a dedicated meditation nook in the family room. The master suite boasts a large bathroom with an open walk-in shower featuring a curved glass wall. A hidden sliding door reveals a guest bedroom with bunk beds and an additional bathroom, showcasing the intelligent use of space and flexibility in the design. The owner's intention was to create a sense of surprise, where the traditional opulence of the building's exterior gives way to an unexpected contemporary interior. The penthouse is also adjoined with a 1,300-square-foot apartment at 318 Commonwealth Avenue, providing additional space suitable for staff or extended family. Together, the two units comprise a five-bedroom, three-bathroom, and one-partial-bath residence, spanning 5,800 square feet. This luxurious property, previously owned by figures like Tom Brady, is currently on the market for $10.7 million, offering a unique opportunity to own a piece of Boston's architectural history with a modern twist. #LuxuryHomes #PenthouseDesign #ZenInterior #MansionLiving #BostonRealEstate #InteriorDesign #ArchitecturalContrast #HistoricalProperty #ContemporaryLiving

The rapid urbanization and economic growth in developing nations over recent decades have led to a significant reduction in living space for city dwellers. Despite this, cities are increasingly recognized for offering better opportunities for climate adaptation, primarily due to their efficiency in providing resilience-promoting infrastructure and services owing to their density. With an anticipated 90% of urban population increase projected to occur in cities within developing countries, there's a growing need for policymakers and citizens to reconsider what constitutes comfortable and sustainable living in these expanding urban centers. Bangkok, Thailand, serves as a prime example of a megacity addressing these challenges through urban greening projects aimed at increasing green space per capita, enhancing individual well-being, and reducing carbon emissions. On a micro-level, designers like Mae Prachasilcha of La Tarta Piccola are contributing to sustainable, small-space living solutions. Prachasilcha recently transformed a 355-square-foot (33-square-meter) condo in Bangkok from a confined, uninspiring area into a tranquil, multifunctional sanctuary for her brother and sister-in-law. The renovation, detailed in a tour by Never Too Small, draws inspiration from traditional Japanese inns, known as ryokans, which feature customary architectural elements such as shoji screens and tatami mats. The design philosophy behind the renovation focuses on optimizing limited space through the overlapping of functional areas. The tranquil ambiance of Japanese ryokans inspired the project, with shoji doors incorporated to soften the aesthetic and offer flexibility. This approach enabled the creation of two multifunctional zones, expanding the living area from 7 to 17 square meters (75 to 183 square feet). The apartment, located at a major intersection in Bangkok, features an entrance that leads to integrated storage, including a floating cabinet with illuminated space for shoes. Adjacent to the entry is a small, well-lit desk for remote work. The kitchen, concealed behind a sliding door, was not renovated due to budget constraints but remains functional with ample storage. The main living space includes a comfortable couch and a custom-made media center. A coffee table is designed to lift and expand, serving as a dining table. The focal point of the design is a set of large sliding shoji doors that, when closed, hide the couple's wardrobe and a hallway to the bathroom, while simultaneously opening up the combined living and sleeping areas. The sleeping space is designed for flexibility, resembling tatami modules, and can be used for sitting, working, reading, or tea. This area also overlooks the apartment's balcony, adorned with houseplants. Integrated storage cubbies beneath the tatami allow for the stowing of a low table or futon. When the shoji doors are closed, a futon can be rolled out, creating a cozy sleeping environment. The bathroom is tiled in elegant dark materials. This intelligent use of overlapping spaces, managed by sliding doors, offers an elegant solution for maximizing an otherwise small and inflexible area. Prachasilcha emphasizes that living in a small space simplifies life, supports a sustainable lifestyle by encouraging conscious consumption, reduces carbon footprint, and saves on electricity costs. #microApartment #JapaneseInns #smallSpaceLiving #sustainableDesign #BangkokArchitecture #shojiDoors #tatamiMats #urbanLiving #multifunctionalSpace

Robert Stilin, a renowned interior designer, discusses his career trajectory, design philosophy, and personal inspirations. Stilin's journey into design was unexpected, beginning with the opening of a lifestyle store in Palm Beach in 1989. This store, initially a 'prototype,' allowed clients to discover his aesthetic, eventually leading him to interior design projects. He has since become celebrated for creating spaces that are contemporary, sleek, and livable, earning accolades such as AD100 and the ELLE Decor A-List. His monograph, "Robert Stilin Interiors," was published in 2019. Stilin emphasizes the importance of discovery and paying attention in his work. He recounts a pivotal moment twenty years ago when art collector Beth Rudin DeWoody encouraged him to explore design beyond his usual preferences, reinforcing the lesson of not judging a book by its cover, especially in collecting and vintage shopping. This experience broadened his perspective and taught him the value of finding unexpected treasures. Regarding his evolving style, Stilin notes a cyclical shift. Early in his career, while drawn to contemporary modern design, he also appreciated classic and traditional styles. As his life progressed, his focus shifted more towards modern aesthetics. However, in the last five to seven years, he has found himself increasingly attracted to classicism, returning to his initial inclinations. He highlights his enduring admiration for artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Giacometti, despite their overexposure and high value. Stilin acknowledges the impact of fashion on his design tastes, describing himself as a "shopper of everything." He finds inspiration in fashion stores, vintage furniture shops, and art galleries, believing that all visual experiences inform one's aesthetic. He particularly values multi-brand clothing stores that showcase a strong curatorial point of view, likening this to an interior designer's process of finding their own voice within a space. Fashion photography also serves as a significant source of inspiration, contributing to his extensive photography collection. For art collecting, Stilin advises being actively engaged in the world by visiting museums, galleries, art fairs, and design shows. While online viewing is convenient, he stresses the importance of seeing art in person to fully appreciate it. He also discusses the role of patience in his design approach, noting that while clients often seek instant gratification, the reality of creating bespoke items, like a sofa, can take months. He advocates for a balanced perspective, prioritizing health and well-being over material possessions, especially after the pandemic. Stilin believes that a space for an aesthetic person or a collector is never truly finished; it is always evolving. He encourages clients to continue building on their interiors over time, adapting them as their tastes change. He does not believe in buying art simply to fill walls, preferring to wait until the perfect piece is found, even if it takes a significant amount of time. Ultimately, he views home as a sanctuary, a place for recharging and feeling safe and comfortable, an essential aspect of self-care in a demanding world. #InteriorDesign #RobertStilin #DesignPhilosophy #ArtCollecting #HomeDecor #AestheticEvolution #Lifestyle #CreativeProcess

Daphney Ho, a former fashion designer and wellness entrepreneur, undertook the renovation of her 517 sq ft (48 square metre) apartment in Kwun Tong, Kowloon, in 2020. The apartment, purchased with her husband Francis Li Man-tik, was originally built in the 1990s, featuring two bedrooms and one bathroom. Ho described its initial condition as “old-school, gloomy and worn.” The couple envisioned transforming it into a space that mirrored the tranquil, Zen-like atmosphere of a flotation-therapy spa Ho had previously established in Tsim Sha Tsui. Initially, they sought professional interior designers, but the quotations received exceeded their budget. This led Ho to pursue a DIY approach to the renovation. Drawing on her previous experience with the fit-out of her spa, and with more free time available during Covid-19 lockdowns, she dedicated herself to learning interior design. Despite having many creative ideas, Ho recognized her lack of technical skills to translate them into contractor-ready drawings. Over six months, she immersed herself in online learning, acquiring the necessary knowledge to select and operate interior design software. This enabled her to bring her creative vision, heavily influenced by Balinese and Japanese aesthetics, to life in a practical format. By 2021, Ho engaged the same contractor who had worked on her spa. A significant challenge in the apartment's design was its diamond-shaped floorplate, characterized by sharp angles. While this might deter some, Ho embraced it as a stimulating design problem. She viewed it as a challenge she was eager to overcome, which added an enjoyable dimension to the entire renovation project. Her successful transformation of her own home was so impressive that friends began seeking her advice, eventually leading her to establish her own interior design business. Her design philosophy for the apartment centered on creating a light, bright, and airy environment. This was achieved through the incorporation of warm woods, gentle curves, and white walls, elements that collectively contribute to a calming, Zen-like ambiance. The renovation not only addressed the apartment's aesthetic and functional deficiencies but also served as a catalyst for Ho's new professional venture, demonstrating her aptitude for interior design through a hands-on, personal project. Ho's journey exemplifies how personal challenges, such as budget constraints, can spark creative solutions and lead to unexpected career paths. Her methodical approach to self-education, combined with her innate aesthetic sense, allowed her to overcome technical hurdles and realize her vision for a serene living space. The outcome was a home that not only met her personal needs but also served as a compelling portfolio piece, showcasing her talent and paving the way for her new business. #HomeRenovation #DIYDesign #ZenAesthetics #InteriorDesignHongKong #BalineseJapaneseInfluence #SpaceTransformation #SmallApartmentDesign #WellnessInspiredHome